Students ‘Plant the Promise’ to Stay Drug-Free

Youth. If nature cooperates, Tulips at Alpine Elementary, and Kittiatinny Regional and Wallkill Valley Regional High Schools will be part of a 'Plant the Promise' activity in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31.

| 15 Nov 2019 | 03:30

    Next Spring, a bed of tulips will – if nature cooperates – rise at Alpine Elementary School, Kittatinny Regional High School and Wallkill Valley Regional High School. It will be a product of the Plant the Promise Activity, part of Red Ribbon Week, from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31. Red Ribbon Week is a nationally recognized initiative each Fall with an emphasis on prevention education and commitment to living a safe, healthy & drug-free life. Plant the Promise is a wonderful way to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. This activity will serve as a reminder in the Spring when the tulips are in bloom to allow students to continue the conversation throughout the school year.

    The Plant the Promise program was spearheaded by The Coalition for Healthy & Safe Communities, a program of the Center for Prevention & Counseling, Newton, NJ which selected three schools to sponsor Plant the Promise package including 100 tulips, bracelets and shovels for each school. Over 150 students from the schools chosen planted red flower bulbs during Red Ribbon Week and will anticipate the tulips to bloom in the Spring. Additionally, it provided a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break and see the rewards of something beautiful the student’s nurtured.

    The mission of the Coalition for Healthy & Safe Communities is to create healthy and safe communities that are free from substance use disorders, addiction and related issues among people of all ages throughout Sussex County. In addition, our goal is to create environments that support healthy lifestyle choices and Plant the Promise.